Tuesday, October 1st was a pivotal moment, for RISE as we launched our Capital Campaign and thanked donors demonstrating support for the HOMEBASE Therapeutic Community Center.
HOMEBASE will provide peer support and opportunities to combat isolation and provide semi-structured therapeutic activities for individuals in our community who feel isolated, and unwelcome in places where others would normally socialize, to develop daily living skills and a natural support system.
This transformative initiative is designed to help those marginalized individuals and provide a welcoming community space where they can find support for skills development, made possible through the generous contributions of donors, who gathered Tuesday for a formal recognition ceremony with RISE.
The project is budgeted at $3.5 million, with much of the funding coming from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Project grant, secured by Congressman Paul D. Tonko, the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund, Sonny Bonacio, Julie Bonacio, Adirondack Trust, Business for Good Foundation, Church of Latter-day Saints, Albany, Saratoga Eagle, Community Bank, CDPHP, Courtyard Marriott, and Residence Inn of Saratoga.
Construction is expected to be completed by summer of 2025. HOMEBASE still needs $550 thousand to complete the project which is why RISE is launching a Capital Campaign to raise the remaining funds.
This therapeutic community space will be located at the RISE headquarters on Union Street in Saratoga Springs, and will provide a range of services and facilities designed to foster community engagement, life skills, and personal growth. The new space will feature:
- Telehealth Conference Rooms: Private, secure spaces for individuals to connect with their healthcare providers via telehealth, ensuring access to essential services.
- Café/Kitchen: A versatile space where participants can enjoy meals and take part in life-skills workshops, including cooking and pre-vocational classes.
- Computer Room: A vital resource for teaching digital literacy, cyber safety, job searching, and online learning. The space will also offer free internet access to participants.
- Workshops: Dedicated areas for classes on money management, home management, and community awareness. These workshops will cover topics such as budgeting, banking basics, grocery shopping, and navigating local resources.
- Living Room: A central, open space where participants can relax and interact in a safe, comfortable environment. The living room will feature games, books, a television, a pool table, and a foosball table.
- Art Studio: A creative space where art therapists will lead programs for participants and the broader community, using art as a therapeutic and expressive tool.
“The HOMEBASE Project represents a significant investment in the well-being and future of our community,” said Sybil Newell, Executive Director of RISE Housing & Support Services. “Thanks to the generous support of our donors and community partners, we are building a space where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment.”
Congressman Paul Tonko announced a slate of 15 community development and improvement projects across New York’s 20th Congressional District totaling $12.8M that he secured as part of the final 2023 appropriations government funding package. Just over $2.3 million of that was awarded to RISE. “From the moment Sybil Newell and the dedicated staff at RISE reached out to my office about the possibility of securing federal funding for this project, I’ve been a proud supporter of the HOMEBASE project and of RISE’s overall mission,” said Congressman Tonko.
“RISE and their staff work every day to bring support and resources across Saratoga County to those who need them most, and I’m honored to have fought for and secured more than $2.3 million for this worthy project through the federal Community Project Funding process. Thanks to these investments, this new expansion will enable RISE to accommodate their growing staff and clientele at a new social center in downtown Saratoga Springs where people can socialize, participate in programs, and receive critical services. I look forward to seeing the positive change this project will bring for vulnerable individuals here in Saratoga Springs and beyond.”
Construction is being managed by the Bonacio Group. Sonny and Julie Bonacio are large supporters of RISE and their mission. They were instrumental in the acquisition of a space to open a low-barrier, 24/7 shelter, that now stands on Adelphi Street. The Bonacio Group is pledging $200,000 towards the HOMEBASE project. “We are proud to partner with RISE Housing & Support Services on the HOMEBASE project. This initiative is more than just a construction project — it’s about building a place where people can come together to find support, growth, and connection,” said Sonny & Julie Bonacio, Bonacio Group. “At Bonacio Construction, we’ve always believed that the spaces we create can have a lasting impact on the community, and we are honored to be a part of something that will benefit so many lives. The HOMEBASE project reflects the values we hold dear, and we’re excited to see it come to life.”
The Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund has awarded a $150,000 grant to RISE for the HOMEBASE project. The facility centerpiece will be named in Sarah’s honor as the Sarah B. Foulke Connection Center. “Sarah Blackwell Foulke, a long-time Saratoga Springs resident and an attorney who practiced in Saratoga County, grew up in a challenging environment, both mentally and emotionally,” said Anthony J. Izzo, speaking on behalf of Suzan Nolan and Lyn Murphy, advisors to the Fund. “Sarah did not have access to the kind of support that RISE provides and had to fight her battles alone. Her legacy will inspire others to work around seemingly unsolvable problems, and succeed in life.” The Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund is administered through The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.
Adirondack Trust is providing a donation of $100,000 and have been a longtime community partner with RISE. They’ve been supporting RISE’s annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraiser each of the three year’s it’s been organized. “Adirondack Trust Company is proud to support RISE Housing & Support Services’ HOMEBASE Capital Campaign and mission,” said Charles V. Wait, Jr., President & CEO of Adirondack Trust. “We believe our contribution will greatly enhance the lives of those who work with the organization, and, in turn, our community. We’re excited to see RISE’s expansion, and we’re thrilled to go above and beyond for the area along with them.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is graciously covering the cost of all the equipment necessary for the commercial kitchen in HOMEBASE. This is estimated to be a $40-$60 thousand cost. “The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Albany and Saratoga regions have been honored to support RISE Housing and Support Services in their vital mission to provide safe and healthy housing for individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use, and other life difficulties,” said Bruce McLaughlin, Stake President, Albany Stake Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We believe in the power of community and compassion, and as followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to care for those in need as He would. Latter-day Saints help to build strong families and communities, making life better for others wherever they live. Our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters, no matter where we live in this wonderful world. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving the lives of those around us and fostering hope, healing, and strength for all who are on their journey toward recovery.”
CDPHP significant donation will help ensure that the telehealth rooms provide everything needed to provide the best communication and privacy available.
For more information visit HOMEBASE Therapeutic Community Center.